The medial approach for operative release of post-traumatic contracture of the elbow

We treated post-traumatic contracture of the elbow in 13 consecutive patients (14 elbows) by operative release. Through a single medial approach, the posterior oblique bundle of the medial collateral ligament was resected, followed by posterior and anterior capsulectomies. An additional lateral release through a separate incision was required in only four elbows. The results were assessed at a mean interval of 57 months after operation. Before surgery active extension lacked 43 degrees which improved to 17 degrees after operation. Active flexion before operation was 89 degrees, which improved to 127 degrees. The mean arc of movement increased from 46 degrees to 110 degrees. All 14 elbows showed scarring of the posterior oblique bundle of the medial collateral ligament. Neither the interval from injury to operative release nor the age of the patient affected the results. A medial approach is useful to reveal and excise the pathological changes in the medial collateral ligament. It is a safe and effective route through which to correct post-traumatic contracture of the elbow.     

Open surgical treatment of post-traumatic elbow contractures in adolescent patients

The results of surgical treatment of post-traumatic elbow contractures in adolescence have been conflicting in the literature. Twelve adolescent patients (mean age 16.7 years, range 13-21) that had open release of post-traumatic elbow contractures were followed-up for a mean of 18.9 months (range 10-42 months). All releases were performed through a lateral approach (sparing the lateral ulnar collateral ligament) with anterior joint release (in twelve) supplemented by posterior release (in four patients). An additional medial approach was used in three patients. In three patients the radial head was excised. A mean gain of 54 degrees in the flexion-extension arc was observed at final follow-up and all patients achieved a functional ROM of at least 100 degrees. The patients maintained 93% of the motion that was achieved intraoperatively. No patient lost motion. Open release in adolescent patients with post-traumatic elbow contractures and no intarticular incongruence or erosion, yielded satisfactory results, similar to those achieved in adults.     

肘关节“恐怖三联征”中内侧副韧带及合并损伤的治疗策略

目的 探讨肘关节“恐怖三联征”中内侧副韧带及合并损伤的治疗策略.方法 回顾性分析2010年2月至2012年4月治疗的21例肘关节“恐怖三联征”患者病历资料,男17例,女4例;年龄16～57岁,平均37.6岁;左侧12例,右侧9例.术前常规行MR检查并根据其结果制定内侧副韧带及合并损伤的治疗策略.对于MRI提示没有损伤或部分撕裂但内侧副韧带前束完整的患者,术中并不常规探查修补;对于MRI提示内侧副韧带前束起、止点撕脱或体部断裂者,则常规采用前内侧入路探查修补,对于起、止点撕脱者采用锚钉予以缝合,对于体部断裂者则采用“8”字缝合,合并屈肌-旋前圆肌复合体损伤者也同时予以缝合修补.术后予以可屈性支具固定,无一例患者采用外固定支架固定.结果 术后随访平均12.4个月(6～26个月)°所有患者术后末次随访时肘关节平均屈伸活动度为135.2°±10.2°,平均伸直受限6.7°±2.2°,平均屈曲142°±11.0°.Mayo肘关节功能评分平均为92分(85～100分),17例患者功能为优,4例为良.术后并发症包括一过性尺神经麻痹3例、异位骨化2例、迟发性尺神经炎1例,无肘关节残留不稳定、脱位、肘关节僵硬等并发症.结论 对于内侧副韧带前束起、止点撕脱或体部断裂者应常规采用内侧入路探查修补,有利于恢复肘关节即刻稳定性.     

Contribution of monoblock and bipolar radial head prostheses to valgus stability of the elbow.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stabilizing effect of radial head replacement in cadaver elbows with a deficient medial collateral ligament. METHODS: Passive elbow flexion with the forearm in neutral rotation and in 80 degrees of pronation and supination was performed under valgus and varus loads (1) in intact elbows, (2) after a surgical approach (lateral epicondylar osteotomy of the distal part of the humerus), (3) after release of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament, (4) after release of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament and resection of the radial head, and (5) after subsequent replacement of the radial head with each of three different types of radial head prostheses (a Wright monoblock titanium implant, a KPS bipolar Vitallium [cobalt-chromium]-polyethylene implant, and a Judet bipolar Vitallium-polyethylene-Vitallium implant) in the same cadaver elbow. Total valgus elbow laxity was quantified with use of an electromagnetic tracking device. RESULTS: The mean valgus laxity changed significantly (p < 0.001) as a factor of constraint alteration. The greatest laxity was observed after release of the medial collateral ligament together with resection of the radial head (11.1 degrees +/- 5.6 degrees). Less laxity was seen following release of the medial collateral ligament alone (6.8 degrees +/- 3.4 degrees), and the least laxity was seen in the intact state (3.4 degrees +/- 1.6 degrees). Forearm rotation had a significant effect (p = 0.003) on valgus laxity throughout the range of flexion. The laxity was always greater in pronation than it was in neutral rotation or in supination. The mean valgus laxity values for the elbows with a deficient medial collateral ligament and an implant were significantly greater than those for the medial collateral ligament-deficient elbows before radial head resection (p < 0.05). The implants all performed similarly except in neutral forearm rotation, in which the elbow laxity associated with the Judet implant was significantly greater than that associated with the other two implants. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study showed that a bipolar radial head prosthesis can be as effective as a solid monoblock prosthesis in restoring valgus stability in a medial collateral ligament-deficient elbow. However, none of the prostheses functioned as well as the native radial head, suggesting that open reduction and internal fixation to restore radial head anatomy is preferable to replacement when possible.     

Dynamic contributions of the flexor-pronator mass to elbow valgus stability

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that the demands placed on the medial ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow when it is subjected to valgus torque during throwing exceed its failure strength, which suggests the necessary dynamic contribution of muscle forces. We hypothesized that the flexor-pronator mass assists the medial ulnar collateral ligament in stabilizing the elbow against valgus torque. METHODS: Six cadaveric elbows were tested at 30 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion with no other constraints to motion. A full medial ulnar collateral ligament tear was simulated in each elbow. Muscle forces were simulated on the basis of the centroids and physiological cross-sectional areas of individual muscles. The biceps, brachialis, and triceps were simulated during flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor carpi ulnaris, and pronator teres-loading conditions. Kinematic data were obtained at each flexion angle with use of a three-dimensional digitizer. RESULTS: Release of the medial ulnar collateral ligament caused a significant increase in valgus instability of 5.9 degrees +/- 2.4 degrees at 30 degrees of elbow flexion and of 4.8 degrees +/- 2.0 degrees at 90 degrees of elbow flexion (p < 0.05). The differences in valgus angulation between each muscle-simulation condition and the medial ulnar collateral ligament-intact condition were significantly different from each other (p < 0.05), except for the difference between the flexor carpi ulnaris contraction condition and the flexor digitorum superficialis-flexor carpi ulnaris co-contraction condition. This co-contraction provided the most correction of the valgus angle in comparison with the intact condition at both 30 degrees and 90 degrees of elbow flexion (1.1 degrees +/- 1.8 degrees and 0.38 degrees +/- 2.3 degrees , respectively). Simulation of the flexor carpi ulnaris alone provided the greatest reduction of the valgus angle among all individual flexor-pronator mass muscles tested (p < 0.05), whereas simulation of the pronator teres alone provided the least reduction of the valgus angle (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The flexor-pronator mass dynamically stabilizes the elbow against valgus torque. The flexor carpi ulnaris is the primary stabilizer, and the flexor digitorum superficialis is a secondary stabilizer. The pronator teres provides the least dynamic stability.     

Ultrasonographic assessment of the ulnar collateral ligament and medial elbow laxity in college baseball players

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of medial elbow instability is high in athletes who throw, such as baseball players. The aim of this study was to assess the medial aspect of the elbow with ultrasonography to detect changes in baseball players. METHODS: Ultrasonography of the medial aspect of the elbow was performed, while gravity stress was applied with the elbow in 90 degrees of flexion, on thirty college baseball players (twelve pitchers and eighteen fielders) to assess medial joint laxity and deformity of the ulnar collateral ligament. The dominant (throwing) extremity was compared with the contralateral extremity. Clinical data were correlated with ultrasonographic findings. RESULTS: The medial joint space was significantly wider on the throwing side than it was on the contralateral side (2.7 mm and 1.6 mm, respectively; p < 0.01), and the proximal part of the ulna was shifted significantly laterally on the throwing side (p < 0.01). Angular deformity of the ulnar collateral ligament was found in five subjects, and it was significantly associated with lateral shift of the proximal part of the ulna (p < 0.01). Medial elbow pain was associated with widening of the medial joint space (p < 0.05) and with the presence of angulation of the ulnar collateral ligament (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Medial elbow laxity and elbow valgus on the throwing side of baseball players were increased compared with those in nonplayers. Angular deformity of the ulnar collateral ligament suggests that the ligament bends over the distal-medial edge of the trochlea. Ultrasonography can provide useful information about the condition of the ulnar collateral ligament and about medial elbow laxity in athletes who throw.     

Kinematics of partial and total ruptures of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow

In this study the kinematics of partial and total ruptures of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow are investigated. After selective transection of the medial collateral ligament of 8 osteoligamentous intact elbow preparations was performed, 3-dimensional measurements of angular displacement, increase in medial joint opening, and translation of the radial head were examined during application of relevant stress. Increase in joint opening was significant only after complete transection of the anterior part of the medial collateral ligament was performed. The joint opening was detected during valgus and internal rotatory stress only. After partial transection of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament was performed, there was an elbow laxity to valgus and internal rotatory force, which became significant after transection of 100% of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament and was maximum between 70 degrees to 90 degrees of flexion. No radial head movement was seen after partial or total transection of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament was performed. In conclusion, this study indicates that valgus or internal rotatory elbow instability should be evaluated at 70 degrees to 90 degrees of flexion. Detection of partial ruptures in the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament based on medial joint opening and increased valgus movement is impossible.     

Débridement arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis of the elbow

BACKGROUND: Formal and more aggressive débridement procedures have been described for the treatment of advanced primary osteoarthritis of the elbow. However, the literature contains little information on the results of long-term follow-up. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes at an average of ten years after débridement arthroplasties performed through a posteromedial approach. METHODS: Thirty-three elbows with primary osteoarthritis in thirty-two patients treated with débridement arthroplasty were available for clinical follow-up evaluation. Through a posteromedial approach, the flexor-pronator muscle origin was reflected from the medial epicondyle and the joint was opened, preserving the anterior oblique bundle of the medial collateral ligament. The ulnar nerve was decompressed in all patients. Osteophytes were removed from the anterior, medial, and posterior sides of the elbow joint. In nine elbows, osteophytes from the lateral compartment were removed through an additional lateral approach. The mean age at the time of the operation was fifty years. The mean duration of follow-up was 121 months, and nineteen elbows were followed for more than ten years. RESULTS: The mean preoperative limitation of extension of 31 degrees was reduced to 24 degrees, and the mean preoperative flexion of 101 degrees improved to 118 degrees (p < 0.001). The mean arc of movement improved by 24 degrees. The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association elbow score was 83 points at the latest follow-up evaluation compared with 60 points preoperatively (p < 0.001). Of twenty-five patients who had performed heavy manual work, nineteen (76%) returned to their previous job or an equivalent job. At the latest examination of the nineteen elbows followed for more than ten years, the limitation of extension was found to have increased by 7 degrees compared with the limitation noted at one year (p < 0.009); the mean arc of flexion had remained the same. Three elbows required a reoperation. Overall, 85% of the elbows were satisfactory to the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Débridement arthroplasty through a posteromedial approach can provide stable and reliable long-term results with regard to relief of pain, gains in range of motion, and the patient's ability to return to his or her previous occupation. In our series, a modest loss of extension was observed at ten years, whereas the arc of flexion remained consistent.     

Arthroscopic release for the severely stiff elbow

Arthroscopic release for the stiff elbow has been widely used, but there are no reports limited to severe stiffness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of severe cases. Ten patients with 10 severely stiff elbows defined by a limited arc of ≤ 60° underwent this arthroscopic release. Causes of stiffness were post-traumatic stiffness (one patient), osteoarthritis (three patients), and rheumatoid arthritis (six patients). Using arthroscopy, the capsule contracture and the intra-articular fibrosis were removed and the impinging osteophyte and part of the radial head were resected. For four patients with preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms or contracture of the posterior oblique ligament of the medial collateral ligament, mini-open ulnar nerve neurolysis and release of the posterior oblique ligament were performed. Patients were followed up for an average of 24 months. Arthroscopic release could be performed without any intraoperative complications. Range of motion for the elbow significantly improved from 95° of flexion and − 55° of extension to 109° of flexion and − 32° of extension. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score also improved from 56 points to 80 points. Two patients underwent a second arthroscopic surgery and gained further arc of motion. One patient showed osteophyte reformation and needed revision open surgery 1 year after the initial surgery. Arthroscopic release for the severely stiff elbow could improve range of motion. Careful attention should be given during surgery to avoid complications such as intramuscular bleeding or nerve damage.     

The in vivo isometric point of the lateral ligament of the elbow

BACKGROUND: Many reports have discussed reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament for the treatment of posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow, but information regarding the isometric point of the lateral ligament of the elbow is limited. The purposes of the present study were to investigate the in vivo and three-dimensional length changes of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament and the radial collateral ligament during elbow flexion in order to clarify the role of these ligaments as well as to identify the isometric point for the reconstructed lateral ulnar collateral ligament on the humerus where the grafted tendon should be anchored. METHODS: We studied in vivo and three-dimensional kinematics of the normal elbow joint with use of a markerless bone-registration technique. Magnetic resonance images of the right elbows of seven healthy volunteers were acquired in six positions between 0 degrees and 135 degrees of flexion. We created three-dimensional models of the elbow bones, the lateral ulnar collateral ligament, and the radial collateral ligament. The ligament models were based on the shortest calculated paths between each origin and insertion in three-dimensional space with the bone as obstacles. We calculated two types of three-dimensional distances for the ligament paths with each flexion position: (1) between the center of the capitellum and the distal insertions of the ligaments (to investigate the physiological change in ligament length) and (2) between eight different humeral origins and the one typical insertion of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (to identify the isometric point of the reconstructed lateral ulnar collateral ligament). RESULTS: The three-dimensional distance for the lateral ulnar collateral ligament was found to increase during elbow flexion, whereas that for the radial collateral ligament changed little. The path of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament gradually developed a detour because of the osseous protrusion of the lateral condyle with flexion. The most isometric point for the reconstructed lateral ulnar collateral ligament was calculated to be at a point 2 mm proximal to the center of the capitellum. CONCLUSIONS: The radial collateral ligament is essentially isometric, but the lateral ulnar collateral ligament is not. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament is loose in elbow extension and becomes tight with elbow flexion.     

Effects of elbow flexion and forearm rotation on valgus laxity of the elbow

BACKGROUND: Clinical evaluation of valgus elbow laxity is difficult. The optimum position of elbow flexion and forearm rotation with which to identify valgus laxity in a patient with an injury of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow has not been determined. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of forearm rotation and elbow flexion on valgus elbow laxity. METHODS: Twelve intact cadaveric upper extremities were studied with a custom elbow-testing device. Laxity was measured with the forearm in pronation, supination, and neutral rotation at 30 degrees, 50 degrees, and 70 degrees of elbow flexion with use of 2 Nm of valgus torque. Testing was conducted with the ulnar collateral ligament intact, with the joint vented, after cutting of the anterior half (six specimens) or posterior half (six specimens) of the anterior oblique ligament of the ulnar collateral ligament, and after complete sectioning of the anterior oblique ligament. Laxity was measured in degrees of valgus angulation in different positions of elbow flexion and forearm rotation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in valgus laxity with respect to elbow flexion within each condition. Overall, for both groups of specimens (i.e., specimens in which the anterior or posterior half of the anterior oblique ligament was cut), neutral forearm rotation resulted in greater valgus laxity than pronation or supination did (p < 0.05). Transection of the anterior half of the anterior oblique ligament did not significantly increase valgus laxity; however, transection of the posterior half resulted in increased valgus laxity in some positions. Full transection of the anterior oblique ligament significantly increased valgus laxity in all positions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this in vitro cadaveric study demonstrated that forearm rotation had a significant effect on varus-valgus laxity. Laxity was always greatest in neutral forearm rotation throughout the ranges of elbow flexion and the various surgical conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The information obtained from the present study suggests that forearm rotation affects varus-valgus elbow laxity. Additional investigation is warranted to determine if forearm rotation should be considered in the evaluation and treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the elbow joint.     

Outcomes after terrible triads of the elbow treated with the current surgical protocols. A review

Dislocation of the elbow associated with radial head and coronoid fracture, the so-called “terrible triad” of the elbow, is challenging to treat and has a history of complicated outcomes. However, advances in the knowledge of elbow kinematics combined with improved implants and surgical techniques during the past few years have led to the development of standard surgical protocols. This review article analyses the results in 137 elbow triad injuries of five studies treated using the current protocols. These include fixation of the coronoid fracture, repair or replacement the radial head, and repair of the lateral ligament complex, reserving medial collateral ligament repair and application of hinged external fixation for patients with residual instability. Treatment of these demanding injuries appeared effective in the majority of cases, i.e. with an average of 31 months of follow-up, overall flexion arc was 111.4°, averaged flexion was 132.5° with forearm rotation of 135.5°, Mayo elbow performance score was 85.6 points, and Broberg-Morrey score was 85 points. Nevertheless, the patient should be informed about the incidence of complications including joint stiffness, ulnar nerve symptoms or post-traumatic arthritis.     

Posterior olecranon resection and ulnar collateral ligament strain

Valgus extension overload is well described in the throwing athlete. The surgical treatment involves posterior olecranon osteophyte resection. It is not known how much of the posterior olecranon can be resected before increased stress is placed on the ulnar collateral ligament. Ten cadaveric arms underwent posterior olecranon resection in 4-mm increments. After each bone resection, three different valgus loads were applied to the elbow at 70 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion. Ulnar collateral ligament strain significantly increased with each load. Significantly more strain occurred on the ulnar collateral ligament at 90 degrees compared with 70 degrees of elbow flexion. This difference may be the result of the relative importance of the ulnar collateral ligament and the posterior olecranon at different positions of elbow flexion. The strain on the ulnar collateral ligament was slightly higher after the 8-mm and 12-mm cuts but not statistically significant. This study suggests that at moderate quasistatic valgus loads, ulnar collateral ligament strain is not significantly increased with posterior olecranon resection.     

Surgical treatment of post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow

Surgical release of the elbow was performed in 27 patients with post-traumatic stiffness at a mean of 14.5 months after the initial injury. The outcome was related to whether there had been heterotopic ossification, which had occurred in 18 elbows and to whether, if there had been a fracture, it had involved the articular surface, which had occurred in 13 elbows. The final range of movement and the ratio of desired gain in each group were compared at a mean follow-up period of 22.5 months (12 to 43). The arc of movement of the elbow improved in all patients after the operation. The mean final arc was 110 degrees in those with heterotopic ossification and 86 degrees in those without (p = 0.001). The ratios of desired gain were significantly higher in patients with heterotopic ossification (88.2% vs 54.9%; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in relation to involvement of the articular surface. Careful assessment of the cause of stiffness is important in order to achieve a satisfactory result from surgery for post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow.     

肘关节尺侧副韧带屈曲角度与负荷关系的生物力学研究

[目的]研究肘关节尺侧副韧带(UCL)在不同的肘关节屈曲角度时生物力学特性的变化.[方法]选取8对新鲜冰冻肘关节尸体标本,测量每个标本在前臂旋前、旋后、中立位时,肘关节不同被动屈曲角度下UCL的张力变化;测量UCL在肘关节不同屈曲角度下(30°、50°、70°、90°)外翻应力试验时失效载荷与屈曲角度的关系.[结果]肘关节在被动屈曲0°～57°时,对UCL前束的前带和后带均没有产生超过3%的张力,屈曲导致的张力改变对后带的影响有显著性(P＜0.01),对前带的影响无显著性(P=0.128).在57°以后,后带上的张力随着屈曲角度的增大而增加,在100°～130°左右的范围达到最大.前臂的旋转对韧带张力的影响无显著性.在肘关节屈曲90°时UCL断裂失效所需载荷最大,在屈曲30°时最小.UCL断裂好发部位为其前束肱骨内侧髁止点处.[结论]UCL损伤或者重建术后的固定角度应为肘关节屈曲＜57°,早期的康复锻炼肘关节屈曲0°～57°为安全范围.肘关节在屈曲90°时具有最高的外翻稳定性,可以减少UCL损伤机率.     

Elbow ligament strain under valgus load: a biomechanical study.

This study assessed the importance of the anterior and posterior bundles of the medial collateral ligament in the elbow by measuring in situ strain in response to valgus loads at three positions of forearm rotation throughout a full arc of motion. Strain in the anterior bundle was significantly greater than in the posterior bundle and increased with more flexion. The anterior bundle developed strain at a lower flexion angle (30 degrees) than the posterior bundle (60 degrees). Strain ratio increased with load increase for all flexion angles. Forearm position minimally affected strain. These results indicate that the anterior bundle is important in resisting a valgus load, particularly in mid-flexion, while the importance of the posterior bundle increases as the elbow approaches full flexion.     

重建肘关节外翻稳定性的生物力学研究

目的　评价肘关节桡骨头 (radial head,RH)切除、尺侧副韧带 (medial collateral ligament,MCL )损伤以及 RH假体置换、MCL重建后的外翻稳定性。　方法　新鲜成人尸体上肢标本 12侧 ,制成肘关节“骨 -韧带”标本 ,在2 N· m的外翻力矩作用下 ,分别在肘关节 0°、30°、6 0°、90°和 12 0°伸屈时 ,测量肘关节外翻松弛度 :1完整肘关节(n=12 ) ;2 MCL切断 (n=6 ) ;3RH切除 (n=6 ) ;4 MCL切断 +RH切除 (n=12 ) ;5 RH假体置换 (n=6 ) ;6 MCL重建(n=6 ) ;7RH假体置换 +MCL重建 (n=12 )。用 SPSS 10 .0统计软件包作方差分析 ,比较各组的外翻稳定性。　结果　完整肘关节的平均外翻松弛度最小 ;RH切除后 ,外翻松弛度增大 ;单纯 MCL切断 ,外翻松弛度大于单纯 RH切除 (P<0 .0 1) ;MCL切断 +RH切除 ,外翻稳定性最差 ;行 RH假体置换 ,对稳定性有改善 ;MCL重建与完整 MCL差异无统计学意义 (P>0 .0 5 ) ;RH假体置换同时重建 MCL ,效果最好。　结论　 MCL是抵抗肘关节外翻应力最主要的因素 ,RH是次要因素。在重建肘关节的外翻稳定性方面 ,MCL的重建比 RH的假体置换更重要。在无条件行 RH假体置换时 ,修复MCL是较好的手术方式。     

Experimental elbow instability after transection of the medial collateral ligament

In 12 osteoligamentous autopsy elbow preparations, the stability of the elbow was independent of the collateral ligament with flexion of less than 20 degrees and greater than 120 degrees. The anterior part of the collateral medial ligament was the prime stabilizer of the elbow in this range of motion, i.e., the flexion range of function. The maximum valgus and internal rotatory instability after transection of the medial collateral ligament, 20.2 degrees and 21.0 degrees, respectively, were found at elbow flexions from 60 degrees to 70 degrees. Selective repair or reconstruction of the anterior part of the elbow medial collateral ligament may prove to be effective in the treatment of acute or chronic elbow instability.     

Arthroscopic management of the stiff elbow

Elbow stiffness is a challenge to manage effectively. Elbow contractures commonly result from both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, causing limited motion. Recent technical advances in elbow arthroscopy have led to the development of minimally invasive procedures for the management of select cases of recalcitrant elbow stiffness. As with most arthroscopic procedures, a notable learning curve is associated with the safe, effective execution of these surgical techniques. Certain clinical scenarios require that special attention be paid to the ulnar nerve and the posterior bundle of the medial ulnar collateral ligament to improve motion safely. Arthroscopic capsular release of the elbow is effective for restoring a functional arc of motion in the short term in most patients with extrinsic contractures.     

Comparison of elbow contracture release in elbows with and without heterotopic ossification restricting motion

We compared 16 patients with post-traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) restricting elbow motion (but not complete bony ankylosis) after elbow trauma with 21 patients with capsular contracture alone to test the hypothesis that HO is associated with diminished motion after release. Patients with burns or head injury were excluded. The preoperative flexion arc averaged 59 degrees in the HO cohort and 52 degrees in the capsular contracture cohort. The mean flexion arc after the index surgery improved by 54 degrees to a mean arc of 113 degrees in the HO cohort and by 35 degrees to a mean of 87 degrees in the capsular contracture cohort (P = .02). After all subsequent procedures (including procedures to address residual stiffness in 1 patient in the HO cohort and 4 patients in the capsular contracture cohort), the flexion arc averaged 116 degrees in the HO cohort and 98 degrees in the capsular contracture cohort (P = .19). Open release of post-traumatic elbow stiffness is more effective when HO hindering motion is removed than when there is capsular contracture alone.